Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.5

Conclave 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Based on the 2016 novel of the same name written by Robert Harris ('Fatherland'), Focus Feature's 'Conclave' arrives on 4K UHD disc courtesy of Universal. When the reigning pope passes away, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes, 'The Menu', 'The Grand Budapest Hotel') has the unenviable assignment of leading the process of selecting a new pope. As he shepherds the cardinals through the highly secretive age-old event, he must navigate the strong personalities and varying agendas of those vying for the role while unraveling the mysteries that surround each of those holy men. With an outstanding cast featuring John Lithgow ('Third Rock from the Sun'), Stanly Tucci ('The Lovely Bones'), and Isabella Rossellini ('Blue Velvet'), 'Conclave' is directed by Academy Award-winner Edward Berger ('All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)'). Supplemental material includes a short behind-the-scenes feature and a commentary with the director. A Blu-ray disc, a slipcover, and a Digital Code redeemable through Movies Anywhere are also included.

Conclave 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

I was quite pleased with the 1080P transfer Conclave received on its initial Blu-ray release which arrived at retailers a short while ago. You can read more about that presentation here. However, as anticipated, the 4K presentation provides noticeable upticks across the board. Fine detail impresses in every shot, close-ups, and long shots alike. Considering the nature of his performance, being able to see every fine line and muscle twitch on the face of Ralph Fiennes' Cardinal Lawrence only serves to further improve the impact of his often wordless but agonized performance. The ubiquitous murals and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings where the Cardinals live and endeavor to make their choice also shine brighter with the more detailed transfer, making them more intricately observable. Reds one of the most frequently found primaries are even more deeply saturated, as other other colors. Importantly, considering some of the scenes, especially those set in the dimly lit auditorium space allow the shadowy depths that surround and modestly envelop the Cardinals as they initially plot and scheme, and later react to the happenings of the outside world, are more lushly inky. This improvement in black levels also translates to the Cardinals' vestments and apartments. The film has never looked better.

Please note, the screenshots are sources from the included 1080p disc.

Conclave 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray release of Conclave was outfitted with an English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 audio track which I enjoyed quite a bit. The 4K release is paired with a Dolby Atmos audio track that I would argue is even better, but the improvements here are more slight than they are with the visual presentation. Still, there are perceptible increases in precision, depth, and fluidity of movement through the sound field. Here, the quality of the strings is improved, sounding as realistic and lifelike as possible. Bass is also improved a bit, adding more punch and authority to the occasional stings that punctuate the interstitial musical elements. A richer bass also provides a greater impact to the doors and shutters closing as the Cardinals are sequestered to begin their voting. Vocal qualities are also enhanced, with several cast members having a noticeably richer timber, especially Stanley Tucci, who can be, at times, rather verbose. Surround involvement is excellent, with prayerful voices encircling the viewer when the small group gathers in the Pope's chambers immediately after his death. Similarly, the crowded dining hall scenes burst forth with more vigorous life. It's an excellent track.

Conclave 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Conclave 4K's on-disc supplemental material is as follows:

• Sequestered: Inside 'Conclave' (16.47) - Key members of the cast and crew discuss the locations, their roles, who they came to the project, and key memories from the creation of the film. Time is spent on casting, locations, and costuming as well. It's short but interesting.

• Feature Commentary with Director Edward Berger - In this wide-ranging and free-flowing commentary, Berger covers every aspect of Conclave's creation and production with remembrances and asides driven largely by the on-screen action. He addresses the multi- year journey to bring the project to the screen, the casting of the film which began with identifying Fiennes for the role of Cardinal Lawrence and progressed from that point, and his joy at watching Tucci and Fiennes in their scenes together. Time and attention are given to the cinematography and the influence of the techniques used in spy/political thrillers from the 1970s with their longer shots and slow, creeping zooms. The sets, both locations and studio-based are discussed, addressing what location elements could be used and what had to be crafted or re-created. There is also some discussion on which set elements were augmented with blue screens. Costuming also resurfaces repeatedly during the commentary, as he discusses choices made and the inspirations for the differing ways in which the Cardinals are dressed to reflect their personalities and points of origin. Berger clearly possesses encyclopedic knowledge with regard to all of the topics discussed, and for as much as he shares, it's clear that there is much more that there simply isn't time for him to recount.

Conclave 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In one of the richest and layered performances of his career, Ralph Fiennes, as Cardinal Lawrence is the quiet and resolute force that propels the secretive proceedings and the associated mysteries through to their eventual terminus, and Oscar buzz around the film is justified. It's a deliberately slow affair and an unusual thriller that unfolds without a breathless chase or a gunfight to escalate tension. In Conclave, that amplification is increasingly handled by the emotions, concerns, suspicions, and fears percolating and occasionally bubbling over behind Fiennes' expressive eyes and ever-more agonized visage as he attempts to ensure that the correct person is chosen to lead one of the world's oldest and most powerful religions. Graced with sumptuous costumes as well as excellent locations and meticulously crafted sets, it's a sight to behold as the viewer's mind continuously examines the puzzles at hand. Those who may have been waiting for the 4K release will certainly want to add Conclave 4K to their collections as it features both a superior video presentation and a rich Dolby Atmos track. Strongly recommended.